AST ADDS RIPscrip WINDOWS-LIKE INTERFACE FOR EASIER NAVIGATION THROUGH
WORLDWIDE BULLETIN BOARD SERVICE

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 7, 1993--AST Research Inc. today enhanced its AST
On-Line! Bulletin Board Service (BBS) with the new, award-winning BBS
graphical standard, RIPscrip (Remote Imaging Protocol) from TeleGrafix
Communications, Inc. Now, with the click of a mouse button, even novice
computer users can search through AST software bulletins, find answers to
commonly asked technical questions, or download new drivers and BIOS
upgrades using colorful, easier-to-use, Windows-like menus.

RIPscrip allows integration of high-resolution graphics without the need
for highly specialized software and the large overhead of most graphical
environments.

AST is the first computer manufacturer to incorporate RlPscrip, allowing
the system operator to create pull down and popup menus, windows, icons,
buttons and dialog boxes to make using the BBS increasingly easier.
TeleGrafix won the Dvorak/ Zoom award for Outstanding Advanced BBS
Graphics Standard at the recent ONE BBSCON Online Networking Exposition
and BBS convention.

To gain access to the new graphical interface, AST is providing RIPterm
free of charge, a terminal program that replaces a user's communications
software. BBS users also may use other communications software packages
that support the new RlPscrip protocol, such as QmodemPro v1.5 by Mustang
Software Inc. and the newly announced Telix For Windows by deltaComm
Development.

"AST On-Line! is a vital component of our service and support program,"
said Don Leighton, AST's vice president of worldwide product support.
"Because we offer technology products ranging from hand-held portable
computers to superservers and sell through both the consumer and reseller
channel, we have a diverse BBS audience. This new protocol is the
communication link we've been seeking to make accessing our technical
information easier for everyone."

Established in 1988 as a valuable addition to AST's customer support
system, AST On-Line! is available free, 24 hours per day with unlimited
access. The BBS includes a myriad of information -- new product
descriptions, software upgrades, technical bulletins, switch and jumper
settings, answers to typical service questions, and service center
locations. A search program called ALEX allows users to navigate quickly
through categories and text.

Users can enter RIPterm either through DOS or Windows. RIPterm software
requirements are minimal: an IBM-PC compatible computer with modem, MS-DOS
3.0 or higher, 540KB minimum memory and an EGA or higher video adaptor.

AST has a total of 19 BBS locations worldwide and recently added three
additional high-speed modem lines in the United States to accommodate the
growing base of people using the latest in modem technology. AST's BBS
based in Irvine, Calif., for example, receives approximately 2,000 calls
per week and has 8,000 active users.

To access the BBS in the United States, users can call (714) 727-4723 for
2400 baud rate or (714) 727-4132 for 14,400 baud rate. To obtain a free
copy of RIPterm, users can download file ASTRIPTM.EXE from AST On-Line! or
request the RIPterm diskette, PN 507003-502, by calling AST at (714)
727-7641.

Complementing AST On-Line! is AST InfoFAX at (800) 926-1278 for access to
technical information via fascimile 24 hours per day, and a
24-hour-per-day, 7-days-per-week telephone hotline at (800) 727-1278 for
technical support. Corporate Background

AST Research Inc., ranked No. 367 on the 1992 Fortune 500 list of America's
largest industrial companies. In July 1993 AST acquired Tandy Corp. 's PC
manufacturing business. The acquisition makes AST the No. 4 U.S. and No. 6
worldwide personal computer company, according to International Data
Corp.'s calendar year 1992 unit volume shipment data. These figures
include AST, Tandy and GRiD brands manufactured by AST. AST's
award-winning product lines include desktop, file server, notebook and
pen-enabled computers marketed under the Advantage!, Bravo, Premmia,
Manhattan SMP, PowerExec, GRiD, Victor and PenRight! brands.

AST reported overall record revenues of $409.2 million for the fourth
quarter ended July 3, 1993, and overall record fiscal year-end revenues of
$1.412 billion. This compares to revenues of $266.3 million for the fourth
quarter of the prior year and $944.1 million for fiscal year 1992. The
company is represented in 100 countries and operates 41 international
subsidiaries and sales offices. AST's corporate headquarters is located at
16215 Alton Parkway, Irvine, Calif. 92718. Telephone (714) 727-4141; (800)
876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.

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 From the 'New Product Information' Electronic News Service
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